Protecting personal identity has become more crucial than ever. The recent exposure of how phone numbers can be used to facilitate digital identity theft has raised alarms among security experts. Antonia González, marketing expert at Color Vivo, offers key recommendations for protecting oneself from these emerging threats.
The vulnerability of your phone number
Phone numbers have become an essential piece in two-factor authentication, a method commonly used to protect online accounts. However, this same utility can be exploited by cybercriminals to access confidential information if proper precautions are not taken.
Antonia González, marketing manager at Color Vivo, points out that “the phone number is often the first point of contact in the account recovery process. If criminals gain access to it, they can reset passwords and gain access to your personal and financial accounts.”
Key recommendations for protection
- Enable multifactor authentication (MFA): González recommends that “in addition to the phone number, use additional authentication methods such as authentication apps or physical security devices. This adds an extra layer of protection that is much harder to breach.”
- Avoid sharing your phone number unnecessarily: “Whenever you provide your phone number, make sure it is to a trusted entity and that you understand how it will be used. The fewer people have access to your number, the lower the risk,” suggests González.
- Use strong and unique passwords: The expert emphasizes that “passwords should be complex and unique for each account. This minimizes the risk of an attack on one account compromising your other accounts.”
- Keep your devices updated: “Security updates are essential to protect your devices from known vulnerabilities. Make sure all your devices and apps are always updated with the latest security patches,” advises González.
- Regularly monitor your accounts: “It is important to periodically review your online accounts for any suspicious activity. If you find anything out of the ordinary, act quickly to mitigate any potential damage,” adds González.
A call to action
Antonia González concludes: “Digital security is a shared responsibility. Taking preventive measures to protect your phone number and other personal data can make a big difference in preventing digital identity theft. At Color Vivo, we are committed to educating and equipping people with the necessary tools to keep their information secure.”